Volvo’s S90 is one of the most exciting vehicles to come out of Sweden in decades. It’s a praiseworthy luxury car with an understated elegance all its own.

It’s also a terrific foil to the RLX, Acura’s own flagship four-door. Both of these upscale sedans feature front-drive-biased layouts and plenty of technology, but which one is better? Well, why don’t YOU pick a winner and vote in our latest poll!

In top-of-the-line T6 AWD Inscription form, the S90 is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. With both a turbo- and super-charger it delivers an impressive 316 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is available across an incredibly broad RPM range. Not bad for such a tiny powerplant.

All of that twist is sent to each the Volvo’s wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system. An eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to improve both performance and efficiency, succeeding, for the most part, on both fronts.

As for the Acura, it’s most muscular powertrain is a three-motor hybrid system. The heart of this electrified beast is a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 that helps deliver a combined 377 ponies with 341 lb-ft of torque.

The RLX’s transmission is a motor-integrated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s tied in with the brand’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, which can, among other things, shift torque from left to right at the rear axle for better cornering performance.

When it comes to efficiency, the thrifty Volvo should average 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving. However, the hybridized Acura beats it by four MPG, with a combined score of 29. Both of these luxury sedans are efficient, but the Acura clearly leads in this area.

Of course, the S90 counters with a raft of safety features including things like road run-off protection, semi-autonomous driving capability, large animal detection with automatic braking and much more.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/12/poll-volvo-s90-or-acura-rlx-.html/feed2more]]>The Most Loved Cars in America: 2016http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-cars-in-america-2016.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/the-most-loved-cars-in-america-2016.html#commentsWed, 23 Nov 2016 16:55:18 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=442363The Most Loved Cars in America: 2016Automotive enthusiasts love their cars, but which cars are more loved than others? more]]>

Automotive enthusiasts love their cars, but which cars are more loved than others?

Strategic Vision has released its Customer Love Index (CLI) for 2016, which measures the amount of love that buyers feel toward their new vehicle. To calculate CLI, Strategic Vision looks at five measurements: Total Quality Impact, Total Value Index, Vehicle Emotional Delivery, Overall Feelings and Advocacy. It compiles data from over 120 different aspects of the ownership experience on a scale that ranges from 1 (I Hate It) to 7 (I Love It) with 4 (Satisfactory) at the middle of the scale.

This year, Subaru and BMW went home with five Most Loved Vehicle Awards, tying for the most awarded to a single brand. Check out the most loved cars in their respective categories below.

Best Model – Tesla Model S

With a score of 652, the Tesla Model S ran away from the competition as the most loved car in America. It probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise considering Tesla owners are quite vocal about how great their cars are.

Micro Car – Smart Fortwo Coupe

In the Micro Car category, the Smart Fortwo Coupe takes home the win with a score of 388. To be fair, it doesn’t have a lot of competition.

Small Car – Honda Civic Coupe

The new Honda Civic coupe is capturing plenty of love from the media as well as its owners. With a score of 461, it’s the most loved small car in the U.S.

Small Multi-Function Car – Scion iM

The Scion brand may no longer exist and the iM might have felt like a final attempt at reviving the brand, but its owners are in love with their car. Strategic Vision classifies the Scion iM as a small multi-function car with its five-door hatchback design. The iM scored 438.

Small Alternative Powertrain Car – Ford C-Max Energi

Taking home the win in the Small Alternative Powertrain Car category is the Ford C-Max Energi with a score of 485.

Mid-Size Car – Subaru WRX

For generations, Subaru WRX owners have loved their cars, helping create one of the most passionate communities in the automotive industry. It’s almost no surprise that the sports sedan is the most loved mid-size car with a score of 463.

Mid-Size Multi-Function Car – Subaru Outback

It’s not just the WRX winning hearts over, as the Subaru Outback also took home the Mid-Size Multi-Function Car category with a score of 386.

Mid-Size Alternative Powertrain Car – Chevrolet Volt

There’s not a whole lot of competitors in the segment just yet, but Mid-Size Alternative Powertrain Car owners love their Chevrolet Volt. The plug-in hybrid scored 428.

Full-Size Car – Dodge Charger

This might be surprising to some, but the most loved Full-Size Car in the U.S. is the Dodge Charger, scoring 489 in this year’s index.

Near-Luxury Car – BMW 3 Series

There’s a reason the BMW 3 Series is one of the most successful luxury sedans of all time. Categorized as a Near-Luxury Car, the BMW 3 Series is most loved in its category with a score of 510.

Near-Luxury Alternative Powertrain Car – Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The Near-Luxury Alternative Powertrain Car segment is likely one of the smallest and for now, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the one to beat thanks to a score of 511.

Luxury Car – Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan garners plenty of awards throughout the year and this is just another one to add to its trophy case. With a score of 574, the S-Class sedan is the most loved Luxury Car in America.

Luxury Multi-Function Car – Volvo XC70

In the Luxury Multi-Function Car category, the Volvo XC70 is most loved with a score of 415.

Specialty Coupe – Dodge Challenger

The most loved Specialty Coupe in America is the Dodge Challenger, which might come as a surprise to some. But with a score of 567, it deserves the award.

Premium Coupe – Chevrolet Corvette

One of the least surprising cars on the list is the Chevrolet Corvette, taking home top honors in the Premium Coupe category with a score of 582.

Standard Convertible – Ford Mustang Convertible

When it comes to Standard Convertibles, no car is more loved than the droptop Ford Mustang. The convertible sports car scored 517 in this year’s index.

Premium Convertible / Roadster – Audi A5 Cabriolet

Rounding off this year’s most loved car winners is the Audi A5 Cabriolet, scoring 516 and taking home the Premium Convertible/Roadster category.

Turns out everyone was wrong; the Buick Velite isn’t a Chevrolet Volt after all.

The Buick Velite concept isn’t actually Buick’s version of the Volt for Chinese consumption, but instead, a preview of alternative energy vehicles as part of the brand’s new Buick Blue initiative.

Its styling is a marked departure from Buick’s current design language. Whether or not you like it, the swoopy and sharp Velite concept is a forerunner of a new look to come for the entire Buick brand. Like everything else these days, the concept is a sporty, yet practical crossover which is obviously efficient, intelligent, and good for the environment.

Under the Velite’s skin lurks a high-performance, plug-in hybrid electric powertrain, along with GM’s new intelligent electric drive system, and a high-po lithium-ion battery. Buick says this technology will be used in its next PHEV model.

Following the Velite, Buick promises to develop and sell more vehicles with PHEV and all-electric powertrains. It’s unclear at this point how closely the Chinese and North American strategies will be linked.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/buick-velite-previews-future-family-of-plug-in-hybrids.html/feed1more]]>We Deliver the 2017 Reader’s Choice Car of the Year Awards at the LA Auto Showhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/we-deliver-the-2017-reader-s-choice-car-of-the-year-awards-at-the-la-auto-show.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/we-deliver-the-2017-reader-s-choice-car-of-the-year-awards-at-the-la-auto-show.html#respondFri, 18 Nov 2016 02:09:46 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=445260We Deliver the 2017 Reader’s Choice Car of the Year Awards at the LA Auto ShowIn between a busy schedule of press conferences and car debuts, AutoGuide.com found time to deliver the 2017 Reader's Choice Car of the Year awards. more]]>

In between a busy schedule of press conferences and car debuts, AutoGuide.com found time to deliver the 2017 Reader’s Choice Car of the Year awards.

Editorial Director Jonathan Yarkony hand-delivered several awards to their respective automakers at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show, honoring them after our readers voted on their favorite cars of the year.

In addition, AutoGuide.com is happy to announce Ben Williams as our winner of a free set of tires, just for voting in the 2017 Reader’s Choice Car of the Year awards.

The McLaren 570S took home Reader’s Choice Exotic Car of the Year, with John Paolo Canton, Head of Public Relations, McLaren Automotive Ltd., on hand to receive the award. Other cars in the category include the Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Bentayga, Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, Pagani Huayra BC and Rolls-Royce Dawn.

Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Mazda, was all smiles as Yarkony handed over the 2017 AutoGuide.com‘s Reader’s Choice Utility Vehicle of the Year award for the Mazda CX-9. The Mazda CX-9 took the win over the Buick Envision, Chrysler Pacifica, GMC Acadia, Kia Sportage, Nissan Armada and Subaru Forester.

The Jaguar F-Pace was named Reader’s Choice Luxury Utility Vehicle of the Year, with Marine Prache, Product Planning Manager, Jaguar North America., accepting the award on behalf of the British automaker. The F-Pace earned more votes than the Audi Q7, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX30, Maserati Levante and Porsche Macan.

Like other automakers, Hyundai is investing in self-driving technology.

Using its newest electrified vehicle as a platform, the Korean automaker rolled out the Autonomous Ioniq concept at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show. Hyundai was quick to highlight that the concept is one of the few self-driving cars currently in development that has a hidden LiDAR system in its front bumper, rather than on the roof. This way, it actually looks like a standard production car “and not a high school science project,” as Hyundai so aptly said.

The goal of the concept is to keep self-driving systems as simple as possible, so that they can be cost-efficient to implement, allowing it to be installed in future Hyundai models the average consumer can afford. To make this a reality, Hyundai used the production car’s Smart Cruise Control’s forward-facing radar, as well as the Lane Keep Assist cameras and integrated them with LiDAR technology. The company is also developing its own operating system, with the goal of using a lot less computing power to go with the hardware.

Currently, the hidden LiDAR system can detect the absolute position of surrounding vehicles and objects and is complemented by the Forward Facing Radar, which detects the relative location and speed of objects in the vehicle’s forward path. There’s also a three-camera array that detects pedestrian proximity, lane markings and traffic signals, while a GPS antenna pinpoints the precise location of each vehicle. High-definition mapping data is provided by Hyundai MnSoft, delivering location accuracy, road grade/curvature, lane width and indication data. Lastly, there’s a Blind Spot Detection radar to make sure lane changes are done safely.

Hyundai will also bring a pair of Autonomous Ioniq concepts to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next January. Those two vehicles will be driving up and down the streets of Las Vegas and will be offering media rides.

The company said it is currently testing three autonomous Ioniq cars and a pair of Autonomous Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles at its Research and Development Center in Namyang, South Korea.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/hyundai-previews-autonomous-future-with-self-driving-ioniq.html/feed1more]]>2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Carries Steep Price Premiumhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/2017-chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-carries-steep-price-premium.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/2017-chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-carries-steep-price-premium.html#commentsWed, 16 Nov 2016 16:14:30 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=4438312017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Carries Steep Price PremiumElectrified efficiency in a minivan won’t come cheap, with Chrysler tacking a steep premium to the price of its new Pacifica Hybrid. The electrified people mover will start at $41,995 in the U.S. before any federal, state or local incentives, and a whopping $56,995 in Canada before any provincial rebates. Chrysler says the federal rebate alone... more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]

Electrified efficiency in a minivan won’t come cheap, with Chrysler tacking a steep premium to the price of its new Pacifica Hybrid.

The electrified people mover will start at $41,995 in the U.S. before any federal, state or local incentives, and a whopping $56,995 in Canada before any provincial rebates. Chrysler says the federal rebate alone in the U.S. could bring the price down to $34,495, and $42,495 in Ontario, the Canadian province with the largest rebate.

Chrysler says the hybrid minivan is good for as much as 30 miles (48 kilometers) of pure electric driving, and a combined range of 530 miles (853 kilometers). Regardless, that’s a lot of dough for a minivan. But get past the sticker shock and the Pacifica Hybrid packs a lot of content into its steep MSRP.

It also features a fully-transferable warranty that’s good for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles on the battery, and 15 years or 150,000 miles on emissions components. The standard three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard.

Canadians, meanwhile, will only be offered the Platinum model. The warranty north of the border is good for up to 10 years and 160,000 kilometers on the battery, while the powertrain gets a five-year, 100,000-kilometer warranty. A three-year, 60,000-kilometer warranty also applies.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/2017-chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-carries-steep-price-premium.html/feed6more]]>Hyundai to Launch 14 New Green Cars by 2020http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/hyundai-to-launch-14-new-green-cars-by-2020.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/hyundai-to-launch-14-new-green-cars-by-2020.html#commentsWed, 16 Nov 2016 01:25:54 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=443079Hyundai to Launch 14 New Green Cars by 2020In just four years, Hyundai dealerships will be almost unrecognizable. That’s because while many of the usual products will likely still be available, there will be a long list of alternatively powertrain models on display. Speaking at the NADA / J.D. Power AutoConference LA in Los Angeles today, Hyundai USA CEO Dave Zuchowski announced 14... more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]

In just four years, Hyundai dealerships will be almost unrecognizable.

That’s because while many of the usual products will likely still be available, there will be a long list of alternatively powertrain models on display. Speaking at the NADA / J.D. Power AutoConference LA in Los Angeles today, Hyundai USA CEO Dave Zuchowski announced 14 new green models by 2020. The product onslaught will include five all-new hybrids, four plug-in hybrids, four electric vehicles and one new fuel-cell offering.

Currently, Hyundai only offers three alternative powertrain models in the U.S., with the Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and Tucson Fuel Cell. The Korean automaker will make a big push to achieve this goal with the launch of the new Ioniq, which will go to market with three flavors: a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version.

Despite just one fuel-cell offering, Zuchowski insists Hyundai is committed to the technology. “From a technology standpoint, we think hydrogen is the best option.”

Still, Hyundai will continue to focus on fully electric cars with Zuchowski adding that they have a product with a “300-mile range in the plans.”

Cadillac has announced a plug-in hybrid version of its range-topping CT6 sedan that will be good for 30 miles of all-electric driving.

“The CT6 is a technological showcase throughout, and by far the lightest car in its class, making it an ideal platform for electrification,” Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen said in a statement. “In the CT6, Cadillac presents a new formula for prestige luxury. The advanced plug-in hybrid system is a key addition, providing a combination of exceptional fuel economy, crisp acceleration and strong electric-driving range.”

Combining two electric motors with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, total system output is expected to be in the neighborhood of 335 horsepower and 432 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is more than the gas-powered CT6’s available twin-turbocharged V6.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is available on its own throughout Cadillac’s lineup, is good for 265 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With the addition of the twin electric motors, which are good for 100 horsepower each, Cadillac says the CT6 Plug-in will run from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.2 seconds.

With U.S. pricing starting at $76,090 including destination, Cadillac says the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid will be offered as its own unique package within the sedan’s lineup, with pricing and equipment comparable to the existing Premium Luxury model.

Set to go on sale in the spring, the 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-in Hybrid will offer a combined driving range of more than 400 miles.

The Acura NSX has been named the 2017 AutoGuide.com Reader’s Choice Car of the Year.

After years of anticipation, Acura’s latest sports car has finally arrived sporting a hybrid turbocharged powertrain with 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. Owning such an exquisite machine will cost $157,800 including delivery, but for some, it’s a small price to pay for pure enjoyment while behind the wheel. Tipping the scales at 3,800 pounds, the Acura NSX might not be a lightweight but it holds its own on the track.

“This car does such an incredible job making it all feel so natural that it’s easy to forget that when you’re driving the Acura NSX, you’re driving the very first in a new generation of exotic cars,” said VP of Content, Colum Wood, in his review of the supercar.

With eight different vehicle categories voted for in this year’s 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards, Acura took home the coveted title of Reader’s Choice Car of the Year. Chevrolet earned itself two Reader’s Choice wins for the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport as the Reader’s Choice Sports Car of the Year, while the Chevrolet Bolt was named Reader’s Choice Green Car of the Year. The Reader’s Choice Luxury Car of the Year honors goes to the Lincoln Continental. In the Reader’s Choice Utility Vehicle of the Year, the Mazda CX-9 grabbed top honors, while the Reader’s Choice Luxury Utility Vehicle of the Year was the Jaguar F-Pace. The Ford F-150 Raptor took home Reader’s Choice Truck of the Year and the McLaren 570S earned Reader’s Choice Exotic Car of the Year.

AutoGuide.com’s annual Reader’s Choice awards are chosen by visitors to the over 600 automotive websites under the AutoGuide.com Group umbrella. With 242 million monthly pageviews the AutoGuide.com group is the largest auto audience online according to ComScore Media Metrix.

Jaguar pulled a big surprise just before the 2016 L.A. Auto Show and has unveiled the Jaguar I-Pace, a concept for an all-electric crossover that will be on real roads in 2018.

Jaguar typically unveils concept cars that closely resemble production models, and this concept is exciting because unlike so many other electric vehicle concepts, this model looks like a real car that doesn’t look dorky at all (we’re looking at you, BMW i3).

The British automaker is boasting that the upcoming five-seat I-Pace will have “precise, agile driving dynamics as yet unseen on an electric vehicle.” Jaguar claims the concept version can accelerate to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and has a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery with an estimated range of 220 miles.

Promising that it will focus on performance, the concept is all-wheel drive and powered by twin electric motors (one on each axle) that have a combined output of 400 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which happens to be the same output as the savage Jaguar F-Type SVR.

Using a 50 kW DC charging network, Jaguar says the I-Pace Concept can be fully charged in just two hours.

The Jaguar I-Pace will undoubtedly be filled with impressive technology when it arrives, as the company debuted the car through virtual reality before bringing it out on stage. The driver is treated to four digital screens and the car will likely be able to drive almost autonomously.

A reveal of the production model will happen in late 2017, and the model should launch in the second half of 2018.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/jaguar-i-pace-debuts-as-an-all-electric-crossover-concept-that-actually-looks-cool.html/feed0more]]>Hyundai’s First Electric Vehicle Arriving in US This Yearhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/hyundai-s-first-electric-vehicle-is-heading-to-us-later-this-year.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/hyundai-s-first-electric-vehicle-is-heading-to-us-later-this-year.html#commentsFri, 11 Nov 2016 02:21:00 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=441668Hyundai’s First Electric Vehicle Arriving in US This YearHyundai has revealed some details on its upcoming trio of electrified vehicles. more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]

Hyundai has revealed some details on its upcoming trio of electrified vehicles.

According to the Korean automaker, the all-electric Ioniq will be available in the U.S. by the end of 2016, while the hybrid will join the range early next year. The plug-in hybrid will be the last to arrive, sometime by the third quarter of 2017. With the Ioniq EV heading to dealerships soon, Hyundai says it will return an estimated 124 miles (200 kilometers) of range. Expect to hear an announcement on its MPGe rating at the upcoming 2016 L.A. Auto Show next week.

The company expects the standard hybrid variant to be its best-seller of the three and is estimating that the high-efficiency Blue model will return 58 mpg combined, which is better than the Toyota Prius Eco’s figure of 56 mpg. As for the PHEV model, it will target the Prius Prime in the marketplace while offering over 27 miles of all-electric driving, slightly besting the Prius Prime’s 25-mile figure. One benefit of the Ioniq PHEV however is that it will offer seating for five, compared to the Prius Prime’s four.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/hyundai-s-first-electric-vehicle-is-heading-to-us-later-this-year.html/feed1more]]>Volvo Has Ambitious Plans for the US Markethttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/volvo-has-ambitious-plans-for-the-us-market.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/11/volvo-has-ambitious-plans-for-the-us-market.html#respondWed, 09 Nov 2016 20:29:09 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=441263Volvo Has Ambitious Plans for the US MarketVolvo isn't letting off the gas as it continues its revival plan in the U.S. market. more]]>

Volvo isn’t letting off the gas as it continues its revival plan in the U.S. market.

Motor Trend recently sat down with president and CEO of Volvo Cars USA, Lex Kerssemakers, to get an inside look at what the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker has planned. For starters, Volvo will add the first-ever V90 Cross Country model to its lineup, joining the S60 and V60 Cross Country sedan and wagons. Expect the V90 Cross Country to be introduced early next year, helping fill the gap left behind when the V70 and XC70 got discontinued.

Taking advantage of the booming crossover and SUV segment, Volvo will offer a second-generation XC60 as a 2018 model year. Riding on Volvo’s global Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), the new XC60 will feature a wider stance and a more efficient design that results in more cargo space and versatility.

Thinking smaller, Volvo’s 40-Series compact vehicles will head to the U.S. when the next-generation models are ready. Currently, they are slated to go into production in 2017, although they might not head to North American soil until early 2019. Those new vehicles will ride on the new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform and a plethora of powertrain options should be available including gasoline, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric. Don’t expect to see any of Volvo’s diesel engines heading to the U.S. ever, said Kerssemakers.

As for the automaker’s electric vehicle offering, the company plans to launch its first all-electric car in 2019. It’s still unclear what segment Volvo will target with its EV, but it will likely ride on the more-established SPA platform.

For the performance-minded enthusiasts, Volvo is working on Polestar variants of the S90 and V90 with hybrid powertrains that will deliver up to 600 horsepower. The big question remains is whether those models will head to the U.S., as Kerssemakers acknowledged that “it’s expensive to do and there is not a huge market.”